AFCON 2025: Teams forced into last-minute adjustments as preparations disrupted by FIFA delay

Preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco have been thrown into disarray after FIFA’s decision to postpone the mandatory release date for players, forcing several qualified teams to overhaul their training plans.

FIFA had originally required clubs to release players by 8 December, but under pressure from European sides the date was pushed back to 15 December.

The late change has frustrated coaches across the continent, many of whom will begin their camps with incomplete squads only days before the tournament starts on 21 December.

The repercussions have been immediate. Mali, whose schedule depended on a full squad arriving early, have abandoned plans for a warm-up match and will head straight to Casablanca to begin preparations.

According to reports, the Comoros — initially due to gather in Tabarka, Tunisia, and play Botswana on 15 December — have shifted their base to Mallemort in southern France.

The squad may line up against an opponent from the French National or National 2 divisions as part of their reworked programme.

Tunisia, meanwhile, will remain in Tabarka and still expect to host Botswana on 18 December.

Ivory Coast–DR Congo friendly cancelled

According to sources, the scheduled friendly between Ivory Coast and DR Congo on 18 December in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, has been cancelled.

The Congolese Leopards will instead face Zambia behind closed doors on 16 December at San Pedro del Pinatar.

Ivory Coast, currently based in Marbella, are seeking a replacement opponent, with the likelihood that they will turn to a Spanish club.

Multiple camps relocated to Morocco

Several teams have opted to base themselves directly in Morocco despite the disrupted release window.

Uganda began their camp on 8 December in Casablanca and are due to meet FAR Rabat on 13 December.

A second friendly against Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is expected to take place on 17 December, although final arrangements are pending.

In 11 days, Africa’s moment. 🌍

Morocco is waiting. The game is calling. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/7uYiXwTflb

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 10, 2025

Benin opened their training camp on Wednesday in Benslimane, also with a reduced squad.

More players will arrive as clubs release them, and the federation is weighing up options for a friendly match, though no opponent or date has been confirmed.

Angola have settled in Faro, Portugal, with Patrice Beaumelle’s group yet to reach full strength.

A warm-up match against Mozambique has been organised for 17 December.

Cameroon are also expected to conduct their preparations in Morocco.

South Africa, who have been in Johannesburg since Monday, will travel to Morocco for a friendly on either 16 or 17 December, likely against a local Ghanaian side.

With the AFCON now days away, national teams continue to adjust their plans around late-arriving players — an unwelcome disruption at a crucial stage of preparation.